Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and drain transaxle fluid.
2. Remove cruise control actuator, if equipped, then the battery.
3. Remove air cleaner assembly.
4. Disconnect all transaxle electrical connectors and vacuum lines.
5. Disconnect throttle cable, then the speedometer cable from transaxle.
6. Disconnect body grounds, then the selector cable.
7. Disconnect and plug oil cooler outlet and return hose.
8. Remove fuel filter and bracket at left suspension tower.
9. Install engine support 49030025 or equivalent and raise engine slightly.
10. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheels and wheelwell splash shield.
11. Remove starter attaching bolts, then the starter.
12. Remove stabilizer bar control link, then the right and left lower control arms by pulling the control arms downward to separate them from knuckles. Use caution to avoid damaging ball joint dust boots.
13. Separate left driveshaft from transaxle by prying with suitable bar inserted between shaft and case. Use caution not to damage oil seal.
14. Remove surge tank bracket.
15. Separate right driveshaft from transaxle by prying with suitable bar inserted between shaft and case. Use caution not to damage oil seal.
16. Remove joint shaft, then the crossmember.
17. Remove end plate, then the torque converter attaching bolts.
18. Attach suitable rope to transaxle mount bracket in two places, then secure rope to engine support.
19. Place suitable floor jack under transaxle. Note which part of transaxle contacts floor jack, as transaxle is not well balanced.
20. Remove transaxle to engine attaching bolts, then remove transaxle from vehicle by lowering floor jack and loosening the rope at same time. Use caution not to drop torque converter from transaxle.
21. Reverse procedure to install. Note the following torques: transaxle attaching bolts, 66-86 ft.lbs.; drive plate attaching bolts, 27-40 ft.lbs.; crossmember attaching bolts, 37-45 ft.lbs.; lower arm ball joint, 32-40 ft.lbs.; joint shaft and surge tank bracket, 31-46 ft.lbs.